What users are saying about
48 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.8 out of 100
Based on 48 reviews and ratings
5 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.3 out of 100
Based on 5 reviews and ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller is rated higher in 1 area: Likelihood to Recommend
Likelihood to Recommend
8.7
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
87%
27 Ratings
8.0
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
80%
3 Ratings
Likelihood to Renew
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
N/A
0 Ratings
10.0
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
100%
1 Rating
Usability
8.2
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
82%
1 Rating
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
N/A
0 Ratings
Support Rating
9.0
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
90%
2 Ratings
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
N/A
0 Ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
[Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller's] software quality has been shed in recent years. The only problem I have with it is its inability to work with older Cisco Access Points. However, that's to be expected for any deployment. While the controller's UI works well, some areas could be improved. API integrations lack flexibility. [I feel] it's time for policy redesign. It can be a little difficult to determine coding quality.
IT Specialist
Lamda I-TECHInformation Technology & Services, 11-50 employees
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
We have used the 100 Series Wireless Access Points as our "go-to" wireless add-on, to complement our other Cisco Small Business quick deployment equipment. Depending on if the need for wireless arises, having these Cisco Wireless Access Points makes it so much faster and easier to set up to be operational in no time at all.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Telecommunications Company, 501-1000 employeesPros
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- The GUI on the Cisco 8540 WLC is much better designed than other Cisco products. Its easy to navigate between the different settings to find what is needed.
- The AP groups allows touching multiple APs at one time.
- It also allows us to create standard SSIDs that can be used at all sites that connect back to it, this saves a lot of time instead of hitting each site with a local controller.
Senior Network Engineer
EatonMachinery, 10,001+ employees
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
- Access coverage is great.
- Devices are simple to place and activate.
- There weren't as many replacements required as with other products.

Verified User
Technician in Information Technology
Higher Education Company, 501-1000 employeesCons
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- Code quality is a bit hit and miss. This will be great for a while, then things will be bad for a while, then we'll do it again. The UI of the controller works, but could do with a refresh, and I would like to see some improvement on layout and organization.
- The constant code/firmware upgrades and the QA of new code could be better.
- Maybe the compatibility with old Cisco Access Points could be improved, but it's normal in all kinds of deployments.

Verified User
Analyst in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 51-200 employeesCisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
- Meant for too small of a business
- Lack of full control for IT team
Director of Customer Success
RouteThisComputer Software, 11-50 employees
Pricing Details
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Likelihood to Renew
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points 10.0
Based on 1 answer
Overall, we have been very happy with the results.

Verified User
Technician in Information Technology
Higher Education Company, 501-1000 employeesUsability
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller 8.2
Based on 1 answer
Very well made product. Very stable. We have had no issues administering the 8540.
Senior Network Engineer
EatonMachinery, 10,001+ employees
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller 9.0
Based on 2 answers
It is a better product. The evolution is positive.
Gerente de Noc and support
EVCON GROUPComputer & Network Security, 51-200 employees
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
We have [done] some work before with the Cisco 3504 product, but the more recent Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller provides a wider range of capabilities for managing the wireless network and each individual device [and] also being able to handle more users. Unfortunately, we didn't test and deploy equivalent products from other concurrent companies.
Researcher
Instituto de TelecomunicaçõesTelecommunications, 501-1000 employees
Cisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
Pricing and the use case all pointed to us going with the Small Business 100 Series instead of the Meraki.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Telecommunications Company, 501-1000 employeesReturn on Investment
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- Network engineers find it easier to [manage] high-stress levels since they're more reliable and robust.
- Their initial cost is very high compared to other router providers, such as Juniper.
- Their hardware dependability can be a big drawback if you run on a budget.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 1-10 employeesCisco Small Business 100 Series Wireless Access Points
- Uptime was 100%
- No complaints from employees when it was used
Director of Customer Success
RouteThisComputer Software, 11-50 employees